Pearl Watching Herbert Hernandez’s musical journey has been nothing short of inspiring. His story has all the elements of an incredible film—a naturally gifted child, taught guitar by his older brother, forms a band in college that skyrockets to fame, and goes on to become one of the most accomplished songwriters and performers in the Philippines. Now in his early 40s, Hernandez continues to thrive, showing no signs of stepping away from the spotlight.
As the lead guitarist for Moonstar88—the band he founded while studying at the University of Santo Tomas—and 6cyclemind, which he joined in 2010, Herbert Hernandez is a true rock star. But music is just one part of his dynamic life. He is also the co-founder of the renowned advertising agency GIGIL, a devoted husband of over 15 years, a father of three, an avid cyclist and runner, an enthusiastic traveler, and a passionate advocate for several meaningful projects.
And despite his many accomplishments, he remains remarkably humble, attributing his success to God and his family.
It’s impossible not to admire him.
A Born Achiever
From a young age, Hernandez excelled at everything he pursued—whether it was visual arts, music, sports, or academics. Raised by an insurance sales agent mother and a mechanical engineer father, he valued education while keeping creativity at the forefront of his life. His older brother, Darwin, introduced him to the guitar in high school, but despite his deep love for music, he never allowed his grades to slip.
Hernandez was not just musically inclined—he was an all-around achiever. He served as student council president, was a member of the dance troupe, led the drum and lyre club, and even competed in table tennis. His academic prowess was equally impressive, winning first place in the Math Olympiad Provincial Competition and receiving prestigious awards like the Juan Luna Award and the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award. It seemed like everything he touched turned to gold.
His success continued into college, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Advertising. It was during this time that he formed Moonstar88 in 1999, a band that would soon become a staple of the Filipino music scene.
Initially content with being the lead guitarist, Hernandez hesitated to step into songwriting. But in 2002, after pitching an idea for a song, the band’s vocalist encouraged him to take the lead. That decision led to “Sulat”, one of Moonstar88’s biggest hits and Hernandez’s official entry into song writing. Since then, he has penned other fan-favorites like “Migraine” and has been recognized by the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP) as one of the country’s top songwriters. This distinction has allowed him to collaborate with top composers, arrangers, and performers, pushing his creative boundaries beyond his own bands.
Almost Leaving Music Behind
It’s hard to imagine now, but there was a time when Hernandez considered leaving music altogether. As a rising professional in the advertising world, he worried that his music career might hinder his corporate ambitions. However, his then-boss encouraged him to keep playing, assuring him that music could serve as both a creative outlet and a stress reliever.
One of Hernandez’s most cherished projects is “Lakihan Mo Logo” (“Make the Logo Bigger”), a concert series showcasing Manila-based advertising professionals with musical talent. Over the past 12 years, they’ve held 58 concerts, and some participants have even gone on to become professional recording artists. Additionally, he launched 12 “Rockovery” concerts, fundraising efforts to help advertising industry professionals with medical expenses. These projects beautifully merge his two passions—music and advertising.
A “Happy Accident” of a Career
While fans see Hernandez’s journey as a seamless path to superstardom, he considers every milestone a “happy accident.” Each new level of success, each opportunity to create music, he attributes to divine intervention rather than his own talent, hard work, and innovative approach.
In 2018, Hernandez co-founded The Indierectory, a platform that connects independent Filipino creatives with companies seeking advertising talent. His mission is to help local freelance artists land paying gigs, with the ultimate goal of expanding their opportunities globally. It’s one of the initiatives he is most passionate about.
What’s Next for Herbert Hernandez?
Although Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind continue to perform across the country, neither band has released a studio album since 2012. However, Moonstar88 has promised new music with a vinyl release titled “Lourdes 2088” in 2023.
Meanwhile, Hernandez’s advertising career is flourishing, with GIGIL rapidly expanding and working with some of the world’s biggest brands. Balancing music and advertising is no easy feat—it means long office hours, quick family time, and late-night shows, often leaving him with just four hours of sleep. But for him, it’s a labor of love.
In the early days of GIGIL, Hernandez leaned heavily on his music career to provide financial stability. Today, money is no longer the driving force—it’s the love and appreciation of his fans that keep him going. After all, few careers offer the kind of instant gratification that being a rock star does, and knowing that his music brings joy to people means the world to him.
Here’s to many more years of music from Herbert Hernandez, with both Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind.
